Oven Baked Orzo

If you’re looking for an easy oven baked orzo recipe that’s creamy, comforting, and incredibly simple, this 4-ingredient one pan dinner is exactly what you need. With no need to boil the pasta beforehand, dry orzo cooks directly in a baking dish with flavorful broth, juicy diced tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese to create a rich, satisfying meal with minimal effort.

This cheesy baked orzo recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want homemade comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. Everything bakes together in one dish, making cleanup quick and easy while delivering delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavors the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 4 pantry-friendly ingredients
• No need to boil the orzo first
• Easy one-pan meal with minimal cleanup
• Rich, creamy, and cheesy texture
• Budget-friendly family dinner
• Perfect for busy weeknights
• Easy to customize with vegetables or protein
• Great for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients

• 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the dry orzo evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Pour the diced tomatoes and their juices evenly over the orzo.
4. Add the broth, making sure the pasta is fully submerged.
5. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the mixture.
6. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and stir the orzo. If needed, add a few tablespoons of hot broth or water if the mixture appears dry.
8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
9. Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Benefits of This Easy Oven Baked Orzo

This baked orzo recipe is a fantastic solution for busy families because it requires very little preparation while delivering rich, comforting flavor. Cooking the pasta directly in the broth allows every bite to absorb delicious seasoning without needing multiple pots or complicated steps.

It’s also highly versatile. Add cooked chicken, shrimp, meatballs, chickpeas, spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or zucchini to transform this simple side into a hearty complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore its creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cheesy oven baked orzo with:

• Garlic bread
• Fresh green salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Steamed green beans
• Grilled chicken
• Baked salmon
• Roasted shrimp

This easy one-pan baked orzo is sure to become one of your favorite comfort food recipes thanks to its creamy texture, simple ingredients, and family-friendly flavor.